It can be frustrating for ministers to deal with manipulative individuals and conflict within their church groups. This is particularly important today when division and polarization have reached exceedingly high levels.  This workshop provides communication tools to manage these two types of challenges more effectively.     Part I: The Tools of Verbal Self-Defense for One-on-One Conversations  The morning session focuses on avoiding getting caught up with the manipulative tactics some congregants, colleagues, and/or other individuals use to pressure the pastor to be or do what they want, even though the pastor has legitimate reasons to decline to be or do something else.       Part II: Bridging Congregational Conflict in Group Conversations  The afternoon session focuses on bridging congregational conflicts to enhance the likelihood of consensus and/or improve understanding and respect for differences within the group rather than feed division, disruption, and/or dysfunction.  Workshop Schedule  9:30 am 12:00 pm  Part I: The Tools of Verbal Self-Defense 12:00 pm 12:30 pm Lunch 12:30 pm 3:00 pm Part II:  Bridging Congregational Conflict  This event is open to all Northern Illinios Synod Rostered Ministers and Synod Authorized Ministers. Please note that this event is being offered in addition to regular synod events. This does not replace Boundaries or the Professional Leaders Conference.  Training will be in-person at Immanuel Lutheran Church in Dixon (1013 Franklin Grove Road Dixon IL 61021). Cost for this training is $35. In addition to covering regular guest speaker expenses, this ticket cost also includes lunch. All registrations must be paid with a credit card. If this is not possible, please contact our church office at 309-794-4004.